The Seattle Seahawks are one game away from the Super Bowl after the defending champions recorded a 31-17 win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, while the New England Patriots progressed past the Baltimore Ravens in a 35-31 thriller.

The Buffalo Bills overcame the loss of home-field advantage and a lack of practice time to trounce the New York Jets 38-3 in Detroit on Monday, while the Baltimore Ravens kept pace in the hotly-contested AFC North with a 34-27 road win over New Orleans Saints.

Baltimore Ravens moved into the AFC Conference final after they beat the Denver Broncos 38-35, while San Francisco 49ers return to the NFC championship game after a 45-31 victory against the Green Bay Packers.